UAE banks are putting greater focus on responsible artificial intelligence (AI), data security and connected digital services as they prepare for the next phase of financial innovation.
Financial industry experts have identified stronger AI governance, shared standards and connected systems as key priorities for banks in 2027, with the aim of improving services while managing the risks of emerging technologies.
The discussions took place at the FINNOVEX Middle East Chapter 39 summit in Dubai on November 11, marking the final event in the FINNOVEX Global Series 2026.
The two-day event, organised by Exibex, brought together banking executives, technology specialists and financial sector decision-makers to discuss the future of digital banking, payments, credit and financial security.
A key topic was how banks can adopt AI without becoming overly dependent on individual technology providers or compromising customer trust.
AI governance becomes a priority for banks
Dmitry Ruzanov, Head of Machine Learning and AI Department at Alfa-Bank, said banks need flexible systems that allow them to change AI model providers without rebuilding their existing products.
“Governance matters the most now with the evolution of generative AI. Banks should be able to switch model providers without rebuilding their products. The challenge now is governing AI at scale, as it becomes successful with the right foundations, common standards, and alignment with measurable business outcomes. Governance is what transforms isolated AI projects into enterprise-wide transformation.”
The discussions highlighted the importance of setting clear business objectives and establishing oversight before expanding the use of AI across financial institutions.
Maryam Saeed, Global Head of Growth at Sardine AI, also delivered a keynote on the role of people and technology in tackling financial crime.
What could change for UAE banking customers?
One of the summit’s main discussions, titled “The UAE Bank of 2027: From Channels to Connected Customer Value”, examined how open banking, embedded finance and AI could shape the next generation of digital banking services.
The panel included representatives from Habib Bank AG Zurich, Al Masraf, HSBC UAE, Vision Bank, Sends and Kuwait International Bank.
Other discussions explored the risks of increasingly autonomous AI systems, as well as developments in payments, data intelligence, credit and tokenisation.
For customers, these areas could influence how financial services are delivered, how payments are processed and how banks use data to develop digital products.
However, the discussions focused on industry priorities and future developments rather than announcing specific new consumer banking services.
UAE financial institutions recognised for innovation
The summit also recognised banks and financial institutions through the FINNOVEX ME Awards.
Organisational winners included:
Alfa-Bank – AI Leadership
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank – AI-Driven Customer Experience
Citibank UAE – AI-Driven Customer Experience
Mashreq – Data-Driven Enterprise
United Arab Bank – Cards Transformation
Liv by Emirates NBD – Digital Banking Innovation
Commercial Bank of Dubai – Open Banking
First Abu Dhabi Bank – Sustainable Finance Implementation
Individual awards recognised banking and technology professionals for their contributions to financial services, data management and digital transformation.
Shabaz Ahmed, Executive Director of Exibex, said the discussions reflected a shift in the industry’s priorities towards responsible and effective AI adoption.
“The conversations throughout the summit emphasised that financial institutions are no longer asking whether they should adopt AI, but rather how they can do so responsibly, effectively, and at scale. From governance and customer experience to risk management and innovation, the ideas shared today will help shape the future direction of financial services across the region and beyond.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
